Question

Where does the flow remain supersonic in a conical surface?

(a) Between the oblique shock and the sonic line

(b) Between the oblique shock and the conical surface

(c) Between the sonic line and the conical surface

(d) Flow is not supersonic beyond the oblique shock

This question was addressed to me in an internship interview.

I would like to ask this question from Physical Aspects of Supersonic Flow over Cones in division Linearized and Conical Flows of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Between the oblique shock and the sonic line

The explanation: The incoming flow over a cone is mostly supersonic between the surface of the cone and the oblique shock wave. Except in some cases when the half cone angle is large, flow sometimes becomes subsonic and one of the rays originating the cone’s vertex acts at the sonic line. The flow between the sonic line and the oblique shock thus remains supersonic.